Olympus introduces new FE Series Cameras

In-camera Creative Features recently debuted on Olympus E-System DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras. Similar in-camera Magic Filters have been developed for the new FE cameras. The new Magic Filters enable the user to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured. This translates into more fun and flexibility as customization is no longer limited to using expensive and time-consuming computer software.

Shooting in small spaces has always been a challenge. Now, thanks to the cameras’ new wide-angle zoom lenses, it’s easy to capture everything and everyone – including group shots at weddings, family reunions and dinner parties. The FE-4000 versatile lens starts extremely wide and goes to 4x (26mm – 105mm equivalent in 35mm photography), and the FE-5020 provides an impressive wide-angle 5x zoom lens (24mm – 120mm equivalent). The new lenses almost seem to defy the laws of physics as they fit into the slim, ultra-compact bodies of the new FE cameras. Of course, you’ll love how they easily fit into a pocket or evening clutch.

The new cameras’ Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what user is shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best quality results depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

Photographers know that shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. When using Intelligent Auto on any of the three new FE cameras, Shadow Adjustment Technology is automatically activated to address this challenge. It adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene.

The new FE cameras feature enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the Help Guide that displays a brief description of camera settings and features on the LCD, all three cameras allow consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance settings using the Program Auto mode. Additionally, Exposure Compensation enables users to preview and select various exposure effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This smart feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. Program Auto and Exposure Compensation are great modes that enable novice users to get results like the pros while learning about the effects of different photography techniques. Menus are available in 39 languages for convenient operation.

All three new FE cameras will be available in September 2009. The FE-5020 and FE-4000 cameras include an LI-42B Rechargeable Battery and Charger, and the FE-46 includes two AA alkaline batteries. All three cameras also include a USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), Wrist Strap, Quick-Start Guide, CD-ROM Manual, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software and Warranty Card.